Archdiocese Posts List of Clergymen Accused of Abuse

ABC News
May 10, 2016

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/05/10/archdiocese-posts-list-of-clergymen-accused-of-abuse/

[List of Accused Priests and Religious Brothers in the Baltimore Archdiocese: Reformatted by BishopAccountability.org for Easier Viewing and Printing]

BALTIMORE (WJZ)–The Archdiocese of Baltimore posted a list of dozens of priests with sex allegations against them.

As Rick Ritter reports, the move comes after a strong push from abuse survivors.

One name after the other this is the list the Archdiocese of Baltimore blasted out, highlighting those accused of child sex abuse.

“Anyone who’s been credibly accused of harming a child, there’s no place in the church for that person,” said Sean Caine, with the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Seventy-one names of priests and religious brothers are now public on the diocese’s website, potentially giving victims an opportunity to heal.

“If that helps in that cause, we’re happy that would be the impact,” said Caine.

The number 71 comes as no surprise to Maryland which has had its fair share of cases.

Just weeks ago, a priest at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Columbia admitted he engaged in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl while serving at the church for years.

Those in Maryland who fight against abuse by priests say the list has been a long time coming, but it’s only a small step forward.

“I  was suffering in silence until I was 32,” said David Lorenz, Maryland Director of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests).

He says his perpetrator being named publicly finally allowed him to come forward.

“If you see that name in print, somehow, some way, it gives you the courage,” said Lorenz.

It’s an opportunity he’s hoping other victims will now take advantage of.

“There’s so many afraid to come forward until they realize someone is out there,” said Lorenz.

Lorenz added the list doesn’t include priests who are deceased, something they’re still fighting for.

He says holding those names back, limits how many victims can potentially come forward and start to heal.